Unmanned but Un-maneuvrable

A pilotless plane at Brisbane's Gabba cricket ground did not perform quite to plan on Saturday, when the helicopter had a problem with its tail rotor and the pilot made a forced (auto rotative) landing. Its manufacturers were attempting to demonstrate how the miniature remote-controlled helicopter could fly in and deliver medical supplies. The drone was designedly able to locate a position, drop off vital supplies for assisting in casualty treatment and then recover itself to base. At least that was the outline scenario spelt out by Queensland University of Technology Engineers and CSIRO scientists.

In a scene reminiscent of Microsoft Founder Bill Gates' BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) Display, the mini-chopper located the rescuee and landed nearby but was disabled and unable to continue. Nevertheless the rescuee was able to avail himself of its rations and supplies retrieved from the machine. The vehicle is one of many designed for The Outback Rescue Challenge, in which contestants design and build a pilotless aircraft with a mission. The Challenge will take place at the Kingaroy Airport in September.